Correctly identifying non-potable water in the wild will save you on several occasions. It is an important piece of skill to have to make sure that your outdoor exploration does not turn out disastrous.
As you already know, the wilderness is fraught with dangers, some widely discussed and the others often overlooked, for example, the possibility of drinking non-potable water. Being able to differentiate between potable & non-potable water is not exactly the first thought to have when hitting the wild. This is unfortunate given that drinking the wrong water can expose us to so many diseases.
While seeking time with nature or going for a hunting or camping trip is a great way to relax and catch your breath, we cannot deny the possible harms, with the ones we don’t pay attention to or are unaware of becoming more dangerous.
So, What is Non-potable Water?
Non-potable water is unhealthy for human consumption & is naturally harder to come across than potable (healthy to consume) water. Even in their day-to-day life, some people find it tricky to differentiate between both water types. While there may be no cause for worry under circumstances, things can become much trickier when such people hit the wilderness, where there’s easier access to non-potable water. Now, you see enough reason to know more about which water should be taken & which shouldn’t.
Types of Non-potable Water
Let us look at the kinds of non-potable water you’re likely to encounter when you visit the wild or even at home.
Rainwater
Classifying rainwater as non-potable may appear weird to some of us, considering that it’s directly obtained from the sky. Yet, we have to realize that rainfall is (largely) the result of water evaporation, which is not always from healthy sources.
With this no-filter collection of water, particularly considering the current water pollution issues, it is only logical to consume water with concern. Avoid rainwater totally if you can, but if you cannot do so, you have to purify collected rainwater before drinking. You can purify water by boiling or adding chlorine/iodine.
River, Dam & Creek Water
Since we already understand why not to instantly trust any offering of nature, it is only healthy to consider natural water bodies like rivers, dams & creeks unhealthy, just as we do other non-potable water sources. Just as rainwater has to be purified before consumption, so do these water bodies.
Remember that they are also exposed to some elements, such as rocks, soils, decomposed animals & other particles. The keynote remains; filter water before drinking to reduce the chances of consuming any foreign material.
Quarry Lakes
Often the byproduct of mining operations or deep-ground excavations, quarry lakes are artificial pits that later on become water sources through the collection of rainwater, groundwater, or both. With this in mind, it is understandable that such waters may be toxic if consumed. There is an apparent need to avoid them completely or make sure they are potable before consumption.
Reclaimed Water
This water type is mainly known as recycled water; it is a fancy aftermath of converted wastewater that is processed to become usable once-over. Reclaimed water is gotten from numerous sources, including homes & businesses, and has to go through wastewater treatment or sewer systems to become reusable.
This type of water is usually contained in special facilities and therefore more difficult to find in the wilderness than the others. But should you ever come across it anywhere, think twice or even thrice before drinking.
Whichever water you find, the key is to ensure it is treated and fit for consumption before drinking.
Health Implications of Drinking Non-potable Water
There are about a hundred reasons for emphasizing water safety in the wild, one of which is that an average of 829 000 deaths is caused by diarrhea (a disease solely caused by consumption of unhealthy water) annually. To worsen things, about half of hospital beds worldwide are always occupied by patients with water-caused illnesses. That aside, being hundreds of miles away from civilization is dangerous ready; much more falling sick without access to expert medical help.
Before looking at the consequences of consuming non-potable water, let us see some symptoms to watch out for if you suspect that you’ve taken unhealthy water. If you experience any of the symptoms below during your trip to the wild at any time, you must find a way to receive medical treatment as soon as you can.
- Abdominal cramps
- Constant dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Getting instant treatment from an expert upon experiencing any of the symptoms above will quickly help diagnose other chronic diseases lurking underneath. Here are likely illnesses to develop when these symptoms are left untreated for a long while.
Cholera
Cholera is greatly dangerous, as it is a very effective sneaky killer. If left untreated, cholera can kill within a few hours. The illness is often asymptomatic and thus hardly noticed until it becomes too late. This is why I emphasize that you take note of the symptoms above and attend to them ASAP. Diarrhea is characterized by dehydration, nausea & vomiting.
Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidiosis is called this way due to the parasite, cryptosporidium, responsible for it. These microscopic parasites are a common presence in non-potable water. Check for the above symptoms to look out for this illness.
Dysentery
Dysentery is a type of gastroenteritis that involves intestinal inflammation. If left untreated, dysentery becomes fatal. A very common symptom of the illness is experiencing diarrhea with blood.
Giardiasis
Giardiasis is caused by ingesting giardia, a parasite most found in non-potable water. This disease is rarely fatal, but its effects can remain very long on its patient, particularly children. Apart from the symptoms mentioned above, giardiasis is also occasioned by hives, itchy skin & inflammation in the eyes & joints. Sometimes, the illness can show no symptom, leaving it too late to treat without severe aftereffects.
Conclusion on Identifying Non-potable Water in the Wild
As you have read, identifying non-potable water in the wild correctly is a compulsory skill to have. Knowing what to avoid and whatnot is important. Keep in mind that prevention is better than having to find a cure. Preparation is a must before moving to explore the great outdoors.